July 23, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on August 18, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Giving and Receiving”

Matthew 10:8; Acts 20:35

“Freely you have received, freely give”; “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

In 2003, when my sister-in-law gave us a 1995 Camry, we were thrilled since we were still driving our 1989 Accord while living in Mexico. But since our old car was still running well, we gave it to a Mexican pastor who lived in another city, an acquaintance of a fellow missionary who told us about his need.  Several years later, this pastor and others were at my house for a meeting.  As we spoke, he told me with a beaming smile how he made a handsome profit by selling my old car to someone desperate enough to buy a 20+ year old car! Perhaps, he either forgot or decided to ignore what Jesus taught:  “Freely you have received, freely give.”  While this man didn’t sin by opting to do this, he certainly wasn’t blessed by selling that which he received freely.  

Of course, we should not do good with the hope of getting more in return.  Rather, we do good, among other reasons, to bring glory to God, particularly in a world hostile to Him.   Apostle Peter, living in such a world, wrote, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (1 Pet. 2:12).  Nevertheless, we should neither ignore what Christ said about how giving affects the extent of God’s blessings: “Give, and it will be given to you.  A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Lk. 6:38).   

One day, while I was teaching in Mexico, the stand that held by my laptop fell over and totally destroyed my computer.   Later, a man from that church, who heard about the accident, gifted me with a brand new laptop.  God was being very generous with me!  And having realized how much God had blessed me through other people’s generosity, naturally, as we were leaving Mexico to move to the states, we gave away the Camry and the tent-trailer, which was so useful to me.   I sure hope those who received them for free didn’t sell them; for their own good.  Folks, let’s be generous!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we once again recognize the magnitude of your generosity towards us in every sphere of our lives.  Thank You for giving us so many things that we don’t deserve.  Remind us and empower us always to be generous so that others may be blessed as we have been.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Nehemiah 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 12:11-21: And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

Questions to Consider

  1. Why did Jesus tell this parable in the first place?
  2. What caused the rich man in this passage to be greedy instead of being generous?
  3. How is your generosity?  What is keeping you from freely giving what you have freely received?

Notes

  1. Jesus was talking about something very serious (being persecuted for faith), but the only thing on the mind of this person in the crowd was getting his share of the family inheritance.  His sole interest was, somehow, using Christ’s power and authority to make sure he got his share of the pie.
  2. The reason for this man’s wealth, according to Jesus, was the fertile land that produced an abundant crop.  God was directly responsible for his prosperity, which meant that it wasn’t his to keep, at least, not entirely.  But this man planned to keep it all to himself.  
  3. Our default position is always wanting more, and on top of that, we are always insecure about our future.  A toxic mixture of those and other sin-related factors causes us to be ungrateful and be narcissistic misers. Knowing our weakness, we need to intentionally plan to be generous.  

Evening Reflection

As you look back, did you have an opportunity to be generous today with your money, time, or even talent?  How did you fare?  Instead of focusing on our failure, look to God who loves us unconditionally. 

July 22, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by a former AMI church staff, was first posted on July 14, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What God Truly Cares About the Most”

Jonah 4:6-9

Now the Lord God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. 7 But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” 9 But God said to Jonah, “Do you do well to be angry for the plant?” And he said, “Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die.”

Is it sufficient for us to only do the right things for God, or does the Lord look for something beyond than that?  That’s the conflict we find in this morning’s text. 

We already know that God’s will for Jonah was to go to Nineveh and proclaim judgment against its habitants, and that God sent a great storm to hinder Jonah from running away. Once he was thrown into the sea, God appointed a great fish to swallow him in order to preserve him.

Based just on these prior events, we are left with a God who simply wanted Jonah to fulfill the function for which he was called to do.  However, the Lord’s desire for Jonah went much deeper than that.  First, we see that God, after appointing a plant to give Jonah shade, also appointed a worm to attack it.  Since the word “appoint” used in 1:17 is used in 4:6 as well, there may be a connecting motive between the two instances from God’s standpoint. 

So, what was God’s desire for Jonah? In short, God uses the plant and the worm to confront Jonah by revealing what is really in his heart.  In a matter of hours, Jonah went from gladness in response to the miraculous growth of the plant that benefitted him to bitter anger over its destruction. Evidently, Jonah’s disposition was solely based on what was pleasing to him, both psychologically (revenge against the hated Ninevites) and physically.  

However, God is not merely interested in using Jonah for his grand purpose; He is interested in Jonah himself, to help this conflicted man to be right before Him.  God could have given up on this disobedient prophet during the storm or even when he went to the outskirts of Nineveh to see it destroyed, but the Lord persistently pursued after Jonah.

As much as God cared for the great city of Nineveh, that the people there would not be destroyed by their sins, God cared for Jonah that he would not be destroyed by anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness.  Ninevites repented when they were confronted, but will Jonah? This text, then, poses us this question: “If God confronts us, then, how will we respond?”

Prayer: Father, search me and know me. If there is any grievous way in me, reveal it to me. Lead me in the way everlasting.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 24

Lunch Break Study

Re-read the passage for this morning’s devotion.

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

Questions to Consider

  1. What is significant in God’s use of the plant and worm?
  2. What led to Jonah’s state of anger and bitterness?
  3. In light of Jonah, what should be the attitude of our heart in accordance with the Psalm 139 passage?

Notes

  1. When we look at the use of the word “appoint” with the instance of the great fish, we can infer that God used these things (worm, plant) to ensure Jonah’s awareness that it was God who orchestrated everything, that it wasn’t circumstantial.
  2. Jonah felt that nothing was going his way: first, God spared Nineveh, who, in his mind, deserved the worst punishment from Him; second, what small comfort he received from the shade was taken away. 
  3. We are called to be humble before God, asking that He reveals our hidden thoughts. We are also called to hope and trust in Him so that we are led in accordance to His perfect will.

Evening Reflection

The true vulnerability before the Lord is difficult.  We have so many hidden motives. Yet, God is persistent in His desire to make us right before Him.  Let’s examine our hearts and ask the Lord to bring healing, hope, and repentance in all areas of our lives. 

July 21, Wednesday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King who serves as associate pastor at Remnant Church in Manhattan, was first posted on July 8, 2015.  Cami is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.).  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“From Whom Am I Receiving Advice?”

1 Kings 13:11-19

Now there was a certain old prophet living in Bethel, whose sons came and told him all that the man of God had done there that day. They also told their father what he had said to the king. 12 Their father asked them, “Which way did he go?” And his sons showed him which road the man of God from Judah had taken. 13 So he said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” And when they had saddled the donkey for him, he mounted it 14 and rode after the man of God. He found him sitting under an oak tree and asked, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?” “I am,” he replied. 15 So the prophet said to him, “Come home with me and eat.” 16 The man of God said, “I cannot turn back and go with you, nor can I eat bread or drink water with you in this place. 17 I have been told by the word of the Lord: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.’”18 The old prophet answered, “I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the Lord: ‘Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” (But he was lying to him.) 19 So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house.

George Washington once said, “Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation; for ‘tis better to be alone than in bad company.” I wonder if he learned this from the apostle Paul who warned the Corinthian church that, “bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Most of us can think of times when we foolishly or ignorantly listened to bad advice and of the calamity that ensued thereafter. In these moments, we quickly learn to be more selective about those from whom we receive counsel. 

In our passage for today, the man of God (who, in his defense, had been doing a great job up to this point of following the Lord’s commands faithfully) takes some bad advice. A self-proclaimed prophet comes to him and lies, saying he’s received a word from the Lord that blatantly contradicted the word God had already spoken. The man of God listens and finds himself in trouble with God because of His disobedience. It may seem a bit like an unfair situation for the man of God. After all, how was he to know that the prophet was lying? It seems like an honest mistake. 

Oftentimes in life, it is hard to tell the good advice from the bad. But there are a few clues that can usually help. In our story for today, the second prophet is living in an idolatrous land (where the king had erected idols to be worship in lieu of God). Most commentators say that this points to a compromise in the lifestyle of the prophet – for he remained among an idolatrous people. Furthermore, God had not chosen to use this second prophet to deliver His message (the reason why the man of God came to the land in the first place). Lastly, the prophet’s words were in direct contradiction to what the Lord had already said. All of these things should have been red flags for the man of God. 

As we look at our own lives, we can learn much from this story. We must ask ourselves, “From whom am I receiving advice?” The character and life’s witness of a person deems him worthy to speak into our lives. We are always more likely to receive good advice from a person with life lived for God and a heart submitted to Him. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please give me discernment as I listen to the advice of those around me. In every decision I make, give me a heart that is humble enough to hear from those walking faithfully with You as well as the conviction to resist the guidance of those speaking in contradiction to Your word.  

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 23

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 1:1-3: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Questions to Consider

  1. Why do you think delighting in the law of the Lord helps us not to walk in the counsel of the wicked (or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of scoffers)? 
  2. Why do you think it’s important to meditate on the law of the Lord day and night? 


Notes

  1. If our delight is in the law of the Lord, we will not find enjoyment in doing things contrary to his commands. Part of becoming like Jesus is allowing the Holy Spirit to cultivate in us a heart that actually enjoys doing the things of God. The more this happens, the more likely we are to resist bad counsel and sinful paths. 
  2. Even though our goal is to have a transformed heart and to delight in that which is good, we know from experience that this is not always the case. Therefore, it is all the more important to meditate on (read and re-read, learn and recite) the law of the Lord. When we are tempted to turn to the left or the right of the narrow path, the practice will help keep us on track. 

Evening Reflection

When you have to make a decision, how do you go about receiving advice? Are there people in your life through whom you can hear from the Lord? Have you been receiving advice from others that contradicts the Word of God? Oftentimes, we seek the advice of people whose lives model whatever it is we desire. If we desire the things of God, we are much more likely to receive godly advice from godly people. But if we desire the things of this world (money, power, success, etc.), we are much more likely to take the advice from people who’ve achieved those things. Ultimately, it is God (through his Holy Spirit and His word) who gives the best counsel. Spend some time with the Wonderful Counselor, asking Him to lead you in any upcoming decisions you have to make. 

July 20, Tuesday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by then (2013) staff of Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on September 24, 2013.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Our Infinite Personal God”

Psalm 90:1-2

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

This morning, we find the psalmist declaring the eternal nature of God as well as acknowledging that God is the creator.  As created being, we are finite, but God as the Creator, is infinite. Even though the mountains may seem to last forever is finite.

Many times, we make God out to be so small in our finite understanding. Yes, He is near and intimate and our friend, yet, He is God who has created the heavens and the earth. As close as we can get to Him and draw near to Him, God is still a mystery. 

The call for us as His people is to hold both these truths about God:  He is a God who is so near and close to us, yet He is the God Almighty who is high and lofty. This morning, let us remember that the God who calls us beloved is also the God who is infinite, eternal, and more awesome than our own understanding can contain.

Prayer: Jesus, your great Name means everything to me and today, I celebrate you as my Defender. You are in me and I am in you. Holy Spirit, thank you for falling afresh on me to be my sole source of power and authority, knowledge and insight, and wisdom and clarity in my life.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 22

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 4:2-3: I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Background tidbit: The word translated agree in Phil. 4:2 is the same word that is translated being of the same mind in Phil. 2:2.

Questions to Consider

  1. What is the apostle Paul’s concern here?
  2. How does the apostle admonish the people involved in this conflict?
  3. What conclusions can you draw from the fact that these godly women were not getting along? 

Notes

  1. Paul is concerned because a particular bout of relational angst has popped up in the church which is hindering the ministry. 
  2. He exhorts these women to deal with their “drama” in a God honoring way (i.e., “agree in the Lord”), and for others to assist them towards that end. And he appeals to their salvation as the primary motive, as if to say, “You are sisters in Christ! How can you argue like this? This kind of argument is beneath you.”
  3. As long as there are relationships here on earth, there’s going to be conflicts.  Some disagreements are necessary and healthy; others, not so much. In any case, conflicts are a normal part of life and you can’t escape it. The question is: how are you going to respond to it?

Evening Reflection

John 17:12: “While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.”

Prayer: “My living God, You are my Defender who rescues me and I rest in Your defense, for You say that I am Yours and You love me. You died for me and You are pleased when You see my faith and have delighted in the fact that I have Your righteousness, which cannot be taken away from me. Even though the enemy has tried to accuse me and proclaim me a failure, but You, Oh Lord, have defended me. It means everything to me to know that You are my Defender, who loves me so much when I have done nothing to deserve it.  Praise Him!  Amen.

July 19, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 21, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Would You Name Your Son After John, But Which John?”

Malachi 3:1, 4:4-6

“See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty; 4:5-6: “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.”

Many children are named “John” by Christian parents, but which John?  There is the apostle John, who, as one of Christ’s top three disciples, wrote five books of the New Testament.  He is also believed to be the only disciple who died in his old age while in exile.  Very impressive! 

Then there is John the Baptist whose coming was prophesized by Malachi and of whom Jesus said, “He is the Elijah who was to come” (Matt. 11:14).  Wearing clothes made of camel’s hair with a leather belt, he looked more like Fred Flintstone than a prophet.  He preached in the desert, not in a building.  He didn’t write any books.  Even so, many were attracted to his no non-sense message, some even becoming his disciples.  

That all changed when Jesus, whom John described as “more powerful than I” (Matt. 3:11), showed up; and John the Baptist was no match for him.  While Jesus performed many miracles, “John never performed” even one (Jn. 10:41).  While the people were so amazed at Jesus’ teaching, saying, “What is this?  A new teaching—and with authority!’” (Mk. 1:27a) John’s message was predictable: Repent!  So, he probably wasn’t surprised when told, “Everyone is going to [Jesus]” (Jn. 3:26), which included his disciples (Jn. 1:37).

Ultimately, John’s uncompromising message—this time, rebuking the badly behaving King Herod (Lk. 3:19)—landed him in jail.  His lonesome stay there abruptly ended when Herod beheaded him to grant a young dancer’s wish.  John was still in his early 30s. 

So, which John would be named for your boy?  Before you decide, know this: Of the one who died early, lonely, and broke, Jesus said: “Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist” (Matt. 11:11).    Now which one?  At the end, the only opinion of us that matters is what God thinks and John the Baptist was highly esteemed by God.  

How about you?  If you covet God’s high opinion of you instead of man’s, while you don’t need to dress and talk like the Baptist, you do need to obey God like him, regardless of the cost.   So, what is one area in your life that you need to obey God, now?

Prayer: Dear God, as I’m your holy presence, I confess that I have yearned for man’s approval more than yours; I have craved after man’s validation than yours.  I know all too well that this is going to be a lifetime battle, but this is one battle that I must win. Through your strength I must live to honor you by obeying you.  Lord, strengthen my will and resolve to live like John the Baptist, giving my all for your glory.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 21

Lunch Break Study

Read John 3:26-8, 30: “They came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.” 27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him’. . . . 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”

John 1:24-6: “Now the Pharisees who had been sent 25 questioned him, ‘Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?’ 26 ‘I baptize with water,’ John replied, ‘but among you stands one you do not know.  He is the one who comes after me, the throngs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’”

Matthew 11:2-3: “When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”

Questions to Consider

  1. How would you characterize John as a person?  
  2. I would imagine John the Baptist to be a rugged and tough individual (someone who lived in a desert, eating locust and honey).  But while he was locked up in prison, he had a very human moment.  What was it? Can you relate to it?
  3. What can you learn from the example set by John the Baptist?

Notes

  1. First, he was a very humble person; second, he was very clear about the purpose for which he was born; third, he knew what his role (an opening act but not the act) was and readily accepted it. 
  2. While being locked up, he had some doubts as to whether Jesus was the true Messiah that the Old Testament had prophesized.  He was a mere human after all.  So, if John experienced a period of uncertainty, we shouldn’t be surprised if others, perhaps even you, go through something similar.  But John didn’t linger in his doubt too long.   Christ’s firm response allayed his doubt.
  3. The Baptist seems like a guy who was at peace with himself, not needing to possess too many things (including a big following) to feel secure or significant.  He knew his role and accepted its limitations. He could have badmouthed Christ to get his people back (like what the Pharisees did), but he didn’t because his worth didn’t come from who or how many followed him; it came from knowing God.

Evening Reflection

How was your day?  What made today more significant and meaningful for you?  Did you experience anything similar to what John the Baptist did when his “competition” (Jesus) was gaining on him?  Pray. 

July 18, Sunday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor David Kwon who heads Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, was first posted on December 21, 2014.  He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Be Good at Sharpening”

Proverbs 27:17

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Have you ever tried cutting something with a dull blade (i.e., vegetables, paper)?  If you have, you probably understand the frustration it can bring; and an unsharpened blade becomes useless and is eventually thrown away.  Just as only a sharpened blade is most effective, this proverb states that when it comes to relationships, it becomes most meaningful when we sharpen one another.  

This proverb is one of the best-known and often-quoted verses in the book.  The rubbing of iron against iron produces a sharp edge, so should the purpose of our friendships (relationships).  There is mutual benefit in the rubbing of two iron blades together; the edges become sharper, making the knives more efficient in their task to cut and slice. But what are we exactly sharpening one another for?  

In the context of the book of Proverbs, it probably means mutual instruction in areas of wisdom and godly living, which is the way to maturity. It points to the fact that sharpening one another involves being integrated into a community – specifically deep, Christ-centered relationships.    This verse also implies that our relationships in Christ should go beyond just the superficial; but rather they should strive to make each other godlier through encouragement and rebuke.  

Take some time and pray for your relationships that you currently have.  Ask the Lord that it would go beyond just fun, sports and hangouts, but that they would “sharpen one another” for Jesus.  

Prayer:  Jesus, thank you for the friendships that you have placed in my life.  May these relationships strive to sharpen each other towards greater godliness and wisdom.  Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today:  Joshua 20

July 17, Saturday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Pastor Young Kim of Grace Covenant Church in Philadelphia, was originally posted on June 23, 2013.  Pastor Young is a graduate of University of Illinois (BS), Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Westminster Theological Seminary (MA). 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

Anger Issue Anyone? 

Proverbs 29:11 (NIV)

“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.”

I have an anger issue.  I saw it growing up. My dad was generally a very calm person but when he blew up, he went a little crazy.  I have a similar issue; I have no excuse for it.  I know better but I find myself acting like the fool that Proverbs talks about.  Of course, my family gets this foolishness the most.  Pray for me.  I believe it has gotten better but probably the better person to ask is my wife.  Honestly, I don’t know if she would agree.  Pray for me. 

Prayer: Lord, forgive me.  Lord, give me grace.  I want to be a man who keeps himself under control for Your glory.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 18-19

July 16, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional was first posted on December 12, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What Give Us the Authority to be a Voice This World?”

Proverbs 22:11

“He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.”

When I was in seminary, a guest lecturer asked my class a simple question: “What gives us the authority to be a voice in this world?” A few tentative hands were raised with these answers: “The truth of Scripture”; “the Holy Spirit”; “the good works we do.”  But all these answers were shot down. The lecturer said, “Integrity. Integrity is what gives us authority to speak and expect people to listen. Without integrity, we lose our influence.”

We don’t have to look too closely to see how the Church is losing its influence in this world. With each rising scandal and controversy, our right to be heard in this world is becoming increasingly compromised. Yet, this is not the sole responsibility of celebrity pastors who find their failures being aired out in the public arena. 

Have you seen a car speed, swerve, and display general recklessness only to discover a Jesus Fish on its rear bumper? How about people who confess their faith to their co-workers only to go out drinking and going overboard? How many times have we compromised our morals and standards of holiness?

According to this Proverb, the authority to speak influentially in a way that is heard and makes an impact comes from the integrity of the internal with the external. It’s not about perfection, but when what is true in our hearts flows forth out of our lips as consistency, people listen.

We are called to be influencers for the kingdom of God wherever we go. It is our integrity that will allow us to fulfill this calling. Are there any areas of contradiction in your life that God is calling you to reconcile? Let us apply the grace of God that will transform us to be a people of integrity.

Prayer: Father, I need your grace. I know there are many areas that I make compromises in my life. Bring agreement between what I know is true and the way I live my life. Grow integrity in me that I may declare your kingdom in this world.

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 17

Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 6:39-42: He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.

Questions to Consider

  1. What does this text tell about living a life of integrity?
  2. Why is it important to be people of integrity in how we relate with those around us?
  3. According to this text, what kind of influence are we called to wield?

Notes

  1. It begins when we cast a critical eye on ourselves instead of others.
  2. Verse 42 tells us that our ability to help others comes when we deal with our own issues first.
  3. We are called to be people who help others without judgment while being honest with ourselves.

Evening Reflection

Reflect on your day. What are some patterns of compromise that weakened your integrity? In what ways were there separation between your heart and your words. Pray and ask that God would bring reconciliation between your thoughts and your words so that integrity will rise and you will be one of influence as God has called you to be.

July 15, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church in S.F., was originally posted on March 5, 20145  Mark is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“How Will I be Remembered”

1 Samuel 12:1-5

And Samuel said to all Israel, “Behold, I have obeyed your voice in all that you have said to me and have made a king over you. 2 And now, behold, the king walks before you, and I am old and gray; and behold, my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my youth until this day. 3 Here I am; testify against me before the Lord and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Or whose donkey have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? Testify against me and I will restore it to you.” 4 They said, “You have not defrauded us or oppressed us or taken anything from any man’s hand.” 5 And he said to them, “The Lord is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.” And they said, “He is witness.”

When I turned 30, I remember struggling with the concept of legacy, because I thought I had wasted most of my twenties and had accomplished little in my life.  By the word “legacy,” I’m referring to the idea of how you will be remembered and whether or not your life has made an impact.  As I thought of all the people that I knew who had gone on to become successful in business and other respected professions, for the first time, I seriously gave some reflection on what I was leaving behind as a pastor.    In hindsight, maybe I was overly self-critical because I was reading the biographies of people who had accomplished great things before their 30th birthday.  For example, John Calvin wrote The Institutes of the Christian Faith during his twenties.  Charles Spurgeon was leading the London Tabernacle, a church of ten thousand people, before the age of thirty.  But this self-reflection provided a healthy sense of urgency as well.  

Though we can’t measures ourselves against ‘outliers’ like Calvin or Spurgeon, it is still vitally important to use the years of our youth wisely.  The prophet Samuel reminds us of the importance of living a life of integrity from the outset of our youth and to not waste our time on frivolous things.  From the early years of his life, Samuel walked before the people of Israel with honesty, compassion, and a clear conscience.  And now as a gray-bearded prophet, this servant of God was able to use the authority that could only be conferred to someone who had been exonerated through a lifetime of character and conduct to both exhort and encourage the next generation.  In other words, Samuel’s ability to influence people did not just happen:  It was developed over a lifetime of faithfulness.

Most people don’t think about the type of legacy they will leave behind when they pass away.  Too often, we only give thought to our legacy in our fifties and sixties; but this makes little sense, because by the time you’re that old, there’s really not much you can do to improve your legacy.  You can certainly destroy your reputation at that age like many have done, but the older you get, the harder it is to leave a lasting imprint on those who will remember you.  Personally, I don’t really buy the fact that fifty years old is now the new thirty.  The time to think about living to leave a legacy is now.  

Prayer: Father, help us to number our days wisely.  Instead of wasting our time living for things that will not ultimately matter, give us a sense of urgency for the things that will last for eternity.  Remind us today of the importance of integrity and the character and conduct that is needed to truly influence the world around us.  Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today:  Joshua 16

Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 5:15-21 (NIV): Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. 

Questions to Consider

  1. Why is it important to make the best use of your time in the midst of an evil world?
  2. How can we ensure that we are living wisely and avoiding foolishness?
  3. Have you ever considered that activities like getting drunk are not just sinful but also a waste of time and opportunity?  

Notes

  1. The literal translation of verse 16 is that believers are commanded to “redeem’ the time.  We are to extract what is precious and pure from that which has become corrupted by the evils of our day.  The apostle Paul is mindful of the fact that the ability to live for God changes from season to season, and while we can, we must make the most of every opportunity 
  2. If we understand the will of God, we will keep ourselves from wasting our time on foolish and costly detours in life.  As 1 Thessalonians 5 reminds us, the will of God is to pray without ceasing, rejoice always, and to give thanks in all circumstance: This is a good starting point in discerning the will of God.    
  3. Sin impacts our lives in more ways than one.  Time wasted on sinful pursuits should also bring us to sorrow and repentance.    

Evening Reflection

How did you spend your time today, and how can you make better use of the time God has given you?  Reflect on the productive things that you accomplished and think of ways to minimize wasted opportunities.        

July 14, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on April 29, 2015, is written by Pastor David Son who pastors the Thrive Church in Taipei.  He is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley (BA) and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.). Stay up to date with the church plant by following them here: https://www.instagram.com/thrivechurchtaipei/

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Doing Something No One Has Done”

2 Samuel 8:3-4; 6b

David also defeated Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to restore his power at the river Euphrates. And David took from him 1,700 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers. And David hamstrung all the chariot horses but left enough for 100 chariots… And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went.

I love the Golden State Warriors NBA basketball team. One of the most famous Warriors’ coaches named Don Nelson (“Nellie”) changed the game of basketball. In a game where height is tantamount to the team’s success, everyone who has any knowledge about basketball knows that you have to have at least one big tall man at the “center” position if you want to be a winning team (think Shaq)! But Coach Nelson did something unheard-of—he built a team with… no center. The Warriors under Coach Nelson were a bunch of little guys, but to everyone’s surprise, “Nellie-ball” became a huge success! Don Nelson won coach-of-the-year three times and is still to this day the winningest coach in NBA history! Today, many teams have learned from Nelson’s strategy, and his legacy continues on.

Back in the Old Testament times, everyone who knew anything about warfare knew you need chariots to win battles. In fact, in those days a trustworthy measurement of the strength of an army was to count the number of chariots. But David did something unheard-of: He hamstrung nearly all of the chariot horses that he could have added to his army. What was he thinking? But David knew something that no other king or nation at the time knew:  that the battle belongs to the Lord. 

What do you rely on to pull you through hard times? King David writes in Psalm 20:7: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Whatever you are facing in this season of your life, our God can be trusted!

Prayer: Lord, You are the sovereign God. Nothing happens without your knowledge, and none can stand against You. Help us to trust in You with the battles and hardships that we face each day. Let us not trust in the things of this world or even the gifts and abilities you have given us. Instead, we want to put our trust in the Lord of hosts. Amen

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 15

Lunch Break Study

Read Deuteronomy 20:1-4: When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people and shall say to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”

Questions to Consider

  1. What is the primary war strategy for God’s people?
  2. When facing a powerful enemy, what were the priests instructed to do?
  3. Who is our “enemy”?
  4. Do you believe that God’s presence with you is enough for you to face the enemy?

Notes

  1. The primary war strategy is the presence of the Lord our God with His people.
  2. The priests were instructed to declare and remind the Israelites that God was with them, and that He would give them victory.
  3. On one hand, we can apply this passage to the hardships/trials/temptations we go through in life. But also, Paul writes in Ephesians 6 that our enemy is not flesh and blood but the spiritual powers of darkness (aka Satan and his forces).
  4. If God is indeed who He says He is, and who we believe Him to be, then yes! Although we cannot see Him, we can trust that His presence is enough to give us victory over our enemy.

Evening Reflection

Take a moment today and think about your faith. Hebrews 11 teaches us that faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Faith is a crucial aspect of our walk with God. Have you been living in faith? Let us spend some time asking God to increase our faith in Him.